You have a good job, but want something more exciting.
The letters BPO sound like music enough to your ears.
You want to cash in on available opportunities, but don't know whom to ask.
Our BPO training expert, Nasha Fitter, spoke to Get Ahead readers in an hour-long chat. This is a transcript of the chat:
Rutul : I am an MBA student. What prospects could I look out for if I were to enter a BPO concern? Why should one opt for a BPO?
Nasha Fitter : BPOs don't tend to hire MBAs for agent positions, as most MBA graduates leave after a few months. If you can convince your interviewer you are serious about growing within the company, you have a chance.
BPOs are challenging and dynamic, which is why people opt to work in BPOs.
Hitesh : I work at a healthcare company as a sales representative. I did my MBA in marketing. Can I join a BPO firm? Will I get a chance to grow and utilise my past experience in any way?
Nasha Fitter : If you are a sales representative, I assume your communication skills are fairly strong. These are the skills that will help you get into a contact centre.
To grow in a contact centre, your team building and motivational skills need to be important. If you have these, I think you will have a good chance. Also, an MBA in marketing is a versatile degree.
ssuresh : I am a Customer Support Executive at a a jewellery firm. Can I switch to a BPO?
Nasha Fitter : Of course, you can switch to a BPO if you want to. If you have already had customer service experience, that would be of use. So just work on your oral communication skills.
jas : What are the career prospects for a Master's degree holder in law in the BPO sector?
Nasha Fitter : There are legal outsourcing BPO firms in India like Lexite. I am sure there are others. You just need to do your research.
CHANDRAKANT : I work as a Customer Service Officer at ICICI Bank, but I want to jump to the BPO industry. What skills do I need to get in?
Nasha Fitter : Speaking English without making any grammatical errors would be a start!
Most people who apply for international contact centre jobs are turned down because their command of the English language is weak.
Pranab : I manage Training & Operations with Tata Indicom. What are my prospects in the BPO industry?
Nasha Fitter : I would say you have a good chance in both training and operations in a BPO.
Many BPOs don't require previous experience in an actual BPO, but just training or operational experience in general.
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Nasha Fitter operates Fitter Solutions, a communication and training organisation with expertise in public and interpersonal communication.